New Boat Owner looking to hire a captain

[bugger]

I just bought a 20' CC and am keeping it in Port Chester NY/ Greenwich CT.
I want to hire a captain in the area to teach me basic boating skills and to show me around the outlying areas.

If anyone knows of somebody interested in doing this please let me know.

[mdrew9]

bugger, you probably shouldn't double post. But I responded to your other post.

[PeteV]

I took the standard Water safety course ...but I have to admit your idea sounds pretty good...

I've been reading and studying alot & watching/observing other boaters both on the water and at the Ramp (watching experienced folks at the ramp has been very helpful).

Here's a twist though....what are you trying to accomplish? is it becoming more experienced from an Operational side ....or managing problems when they arise. for me its managing the problems. I was trying to get time with the mechanic who works on my boat and learn from him some tips about the engine and how to keep it running when I'm on the water. Not that I was trying to buy him off but I did pay him extra for his time as he helped me out (I figured his time is money and he should to be paid for what he knows). He even took me up an offer to go fishhing with me and just watch me as I operated the boat and pointed out some helpful ways of setting up the throttle for when I was having trouble. My operating routine has me gunning out at a high throttle, slowing down looking for places to fish (maybe trolling at a real slow speed) maybe stopping to cast into the rocks. When running at a fast pace the engine does great But sometimes starting up the engine when I shut it off for a bit can be tricky. My boat is an older boat with an older engine so the tips from the mechanic were very helpful in becoming more confident on the water.

Just a slight twist ...I didn't call the Captain, I called the mechanic.

[bugger]

I'm looking for a guy that can come out on my boat with me to go over all the basic operational requirements of the boat...docking, anchoring, basic navigation, etc.

[Pauper Piscator]

Study up on your own though. Chapmans is a must read. Get some decent charts and pore over them in front of your wife for hours while ignoring her. She'll love it.

Seriously, charts charts charts. Another good read is your Electronics manuals. Look over all your systems in minute detail.

I have problems. I admit it. I take dig photos of my engine and other systems and look at them on my computer at work. Dr. is there any hope? (#$119)

[gf2020]

This should answer your needs...

http://www.callacaptain.com

[Telliedog]

Another idea to consider is a decent fishing guide. Many guides that run their own boats will be happy to guide in a private boat - they charge the same rate without spending money on fuel, etc. You will get fishing tips and boating tips all at the same time. Given the fact that you have a new boat, the guide should have a high level of confidence in its reliability. Guides typically tailor trips to the client: catching fishing vs. learning to fish vs a nice boat trip, etc.

Additionally, the marina where you keep or service your boat should be able to provide someone to give basic docking and boat handling advice - they have seen it all when it comes to docking! After that, it is a question of time on the water and slowly gaining knowledge of how the boat operates and what the navigational hazards are.

One lesson won't give you the knowledge you need. Courses, captains, reading and talking to others, along with time on the water, gets you there over time. Welcome to the world of boating - it drains your wallet and your time but is totally worth it.

[bugger]

A fishing guide would definately work. After all that's what I'm using the boat for.

Are there any fishing guides in the Rye, NY up to Norwalk CT area that someone can refer me to?

Thanks again.

[bugger]

I found a great captain in my area that went out with me for 4 hours on Sunday morning and was easy to be with and very helpful with all the basic information. The best price was that his price point reflected his "doing it for the fun of it" attitude. If anyone ever needs a boating captain and experienced fisherman in this area just let me know.